Sunnycrest Farm and Elwood Orchards, both located in Londonderry, are full of fresh, ripe, ready-to-pick blueberries in July! The season is short and these farms are close to home too. Just 45 minutes from the seacoast, the White Mountains, or even Boston, delicious blueberries are ready to eat and aid in your health.

The farm provides the container and you do the rest. Ripe blueberries should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator where they will keep for about a week, although they will be freshest if consumed within a few days. Always check berries before storing and remove any damaged berries to prevent the spread of mold.

Did you know…
Blueberries offer the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit. Antioxidants are thought to help protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals and the chronic diseases associated with the aging process. July is national blueberry month because that is the peak of the harvest season. Native Americans once called them “star berries,” because the five points of blueberry blossoms make a star shape. Blueberries are naturally low in both fat and sodium.

Blueberry Picking Facts

Select plump, full blueberries with a light gray-blue color. A berry with any hint of red isn’t fully ripened. White and green colored blueberries will not ripen after they are picked; while blueberries that have already turned purple, red or blue-ish usually DO ripen after they are picked (if they are kept at room temperature to ripen).

Since blueberries hang on the bushes in bunches a bit like grapes do, the easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them with your fingers. The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.

Business is Good.

This article originally appeared in the Union Leader and has been republished here with permission. La Carreta taking over former Whippersnappers space in Londonderry By Eli Okun Union Leader Correspondent LONDONDERRY — La Carreta Mexican Restaurant signed a lease this week to take over the former Whippersnappers location, bringing their popular brand of sit-down, […]